Veterans' Day Gratitude from Alpha Chi Omega
We begin our month of #gratitude by thanking all our veterans and current members of the armed forces for their service to our nation. If you know an Alpha Chi Omega sister serving (or retired from) the military, today and tomorrow (Veterans' Day) is a great chance to say thank you. Many of you probably also have AXO sisters whose husbands, boyfriends, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers or other family members are deployed, on active duty, in the reserves, and/or are veterans. These families make big sacrifices and deserve our gratitude. Take a minute to send them a note, post a message on facebook, or give them a call. It will make a difference to them!
Learn more about what it's like to be a military family from Iota Mu (Richmond) alumna Brenna Berger. She writes a column about her life as an Army wife for the Fayetteville Observer in North Carolina. Here is one our favorites http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2009/08/27/928077
Here's a little about Alpha Chi's history: From Alpha Chi Omega: The First Fifty Years:
No chapter of the fraternity failed to serve at the time of the country's greatest need. During the World War Alpha Chi Omegas everywhere, like their contemporaries in other fraternities, did all in their power to assist in wartime activities. Red Cross sewing, bandage making and knitting were done in all groups; entertainment for soldiers came from many a chapter, while one turned over its chapter house for government use... Clothing was made and sent to Belgium and to the Near East. From the alumnae were drawn many workers to fill positions in their own communities and in Washington that the war machinery might go on. Twenty-nine of the fraternity's members served their country overseas.
Read more about Alpha Chi Omega's war-time work and contributions here.
If you have a relationship with the military (as a servicewoman, or friend of family member of one), we'd love to hear your story! Please comment below! Thank you!
MTM Exec Board
An Heroic Alpha Chi Omega
Germaine C. Laville (Beta Gamma, Lousiana State University) was the first LSU alumna killed in the line of duty during World War II. In 1951, Laville Dormitory was dedicated at LSU and Beta Gamma donated a portrait of Germaine to hang in the school cafeteria in her honor. In 2006 a Bust was dedicated at Laville East and Laville West, current honors residence halls named in honor of her service. From LSU's website:
CITATION FOR HEROISM
From Marine Corps.
Cpl. Germaine C. Laville
United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve
Cpl. Germaine C. Laville graduated from Louisiana State University in 1942. She later enlisted as a private in the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve in July 1943. Her brothers were too young to enter the military, and she wanted to contribute to the United States war effort in a direct way. She wanted to enter the Women’s Reserve as soon as possible. Upon completion of boot camp at Camp LeJeune, N.C., in December, 1943, she was ordered to the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.
Laville’s primary duty was as an aerial gunnery instructor in a large two-story structure called the Synthetic Training Building, or STB. On Saturday, June 3, 1944, more than 50 Marines were preparing to change duty shifts in the STB. Nine civilian cleaning men were also at work waxing the floors. At 2:51 p.m., the highly liquid floor wax thrown by a buffing machine hit the worn wires of a flight simulation machine, in effect setting the entire first floor corridor and lobby ablaze. The devastating fire consumed the wooden building within minutes. Five Marines died and 37 were injured. Laville was last seen inside the burning building, where she gave her life trying to help others escape.
Laville’s life of 22 years was exemplified by altruistic behavior and devotion to others. Her military service and ultimate sacrifice have become a legend in her hometown of Plaquemine, La., and at LSU. While Laville did not receive a Medal of Honor, she is commemorated for the unselfish patriotic service to her country and her fellow Marines.
"LSU’s Department of Residential Life and the Honors College hosted a Bust Dedication Ceremony to honor LSU alumna Germaine C. Laville on Sunday, March 5, 2006, in the East Laville Hall. From left to right are the brothers and sisters of Laville: Betty Bagot, Robert Laville, Jim Laville and Ann Scharfenberg.
References:
http://www.lsu.com/unv002.nsf/(NoteID)/CF1D80EF997055E4862571260070CD55?OpenDocument
MTM Exec Board
in Veterans' Day, alpha chi omega, gratitude, history, war work
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